For many parents, recognizing the severity of your children’s issues can sometimes be tricky. Without a wealth of knowledge on their own bodies, they might not even be sure that something is a problem. And they might believe, as with other issues relating to puberty, that things will right themselves out in the end.
But you should not ignore wisdom teeth as they develop. Today, your Cerritos, CA dentist explains some signs you might be seeing in you teen, and when is best to speak with a trained orl health care professional.
It’s Not Always Easy To Tell
Sometimes, teens will mask their pain, hoping that maybe the situation will right itself with time. And that’s a fair assumption, as at that age, the body is changing so rapidly. Teens are constantly battling issues with their body that grow normally, if awkwardly.
So often, teens will wait too long to express their discomfort, long after they first experience it. An environment where discussions about wisdom teeth are open can lead to a much easier outcome.
Also, teens today are living with a constant barrage of activity, with seemingly very little free time. They (and let’s face it, probably you) do not want to even consider the possibility of being laid up for a few days due to dental surgery. But waiting doesn’t do you any favors, and the more knowledge and history your dentist has, the more tools they have at their disposal.
Bring The Topic Up First
When your child has seen signs of their wisdom teeth, it is important to teach them to monitor their growth and movement as best as possible. A healthy knowledge of the state of your mouth can give you the tools to know when dental help is needed.
If they have experienced any movement of the existing teeth due to the wisdom teeth, it may be time to consult a dentist. X-rays are incredibly beneficial in determining the growth and path of movement of incoming teeth. If the dentist determines that they need to be extracted, it is important to have them removed before collision with the existing permanent teeth. Otherwise, the positioning of the teeth may be altered, or a tooth might crack.
Try To Be Empathetic
If your teen is experiencing jaw pain or discomfort, make sure that you don’t simply brush it off. You might think they are simply being overdramatic, but there are very real biological matters at hand here. When people are in pain, they tend to not be the best company. So try to understand that the longer you wait, the worse they will feel. And nobody wants to leae someone else in pain, or in the shadow of possible misalignment.
ABOUT YOUR CERRITOS, CA, ORAL SURGEON:
Dr. Shawn Hofkes and the staff at Cerritos Dental Surgery are highly qualified to address complex issues, including those that require oral surgery to correct. To schedule an appointment or consultation with Dr. Hofkes, contact us today by calling 562-584-4082. We proudly welcome patients of all ages from Cerritos, CA, and all surrounding communities, such as Lakewood, Long Beach, Buena Park, and more.
